Is No News Ever Good News?

It seems like an age, but the transfer window has only been open for less than a week and as expected the 'natives' are getting restless as fans right across the country scrutinise every scrap of news they can find out about the comings and goings of players from and to their club, mainly as to where those players they are acquiring come from and how much they cost.

A classic example being Declan Rice, a player who has a knack of being in the right place at the right time, his absence from an England team that put in it's worst performace in over 40 years being a case in hand. The mercurial Hammers captain's value has only gone up by his NO appearance!

So news that soon to be announced signing of Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd who is to have a medical this week ahead of his £25 Million move to West Ham, the 26-year-old centre back has been a long time target of manager David Moyes who had to 'sanction' the board directly regarding the purchase, as a result West Ham increased their initial offer from £21 Million to £25 Million to get the deal for the Morocco international over the line.

The signing of Aguerd should preceed the signing of Alphonse Areola, who despite the stone throwers trying to hijack the deal, is set to sign on the dotted line when his loan deal AND the club's exclusive option to sign him expire. With Aguerd, Areola, Diop and Zouma as the mainstay of the defence, there will be a distinctly Gallic 'atmosphere' in the dressing room, although it is rumoured the club are willing to listen to offers for Diop, which would be a MASSIVE mistake!

The club is still counting the cost of 'letting go' Fabian Balbuena AND Winston Reid, BOTH of whom could have really helped out towards the end of the season, retaining one or both of them might have made the difference between the Champions League and Chumps Conference League!

So be excited by new signings but be equally as excited by the club's retentions! - Ed